“Easyjet has this afternoon submitted a proposal to the overseers of Air Berlin’s insolvency to acquire parts of its short haul business.

“The proposal is consistent with Easyjet’s focused, city-based strategy in Germany. However, given a number of uncertainties associated with Air Berlin, there is no certainty at this stage that any transaction will proceed.

“Easyjet will provide a further update in due course if and when appropriate.”

There had been speculation that Ryanair would make a bid for Air Berlin, but an article in today’s Guardian reports that CEO Michael O’Leary “said he had no interest in making a bid, repeating previous accusations that it was a stitch-up designed to make Lufthansa stronger”.

The report also states that Ryanair is preparing to make a binding takeover bid for Italy’s bankrupt airline Alitalia.